TheAdventurePost.com – Featuring Osprey Packs – April 3, 2012

While big-box stores like Wal-Mart carry backpacks, you need to visit an outdoor specialty store to find a high-quality pack that’s going to fit comfortably and last a long time. Outdoor specialty stores not only carry the most comfortable, durable products, but they also have staff members who are trained to help you choose the right product that really fits. Of course, a quality pack will cost more, but I recommend that you spend a bit more on your pack, shoes and sleeping bag, because these greatly affect how good — or bad — you feel during a trip. Also, cheaper gear often falls apart more quickly, so, in the long run, you end up paying just as much with replacements. You can go to the websites of top pack companies like Gregory, Osprey and Deuter, and search in the “dealer locator” section for a store near you.